Medical Dermatology

diagnosis and treatment

Medical dermatology is the diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions and skin diseases. Dr. Cohen and Dr. Rajan provide medical dermatology services onsite at the Rosedale Dermatology Centre and through various medical facilities across Toronto.

Dr. Cohen and Dr. Rajan treat problems like acne, eczema, warts, psoriasis, rosacea and skin cancer. As these consultations are a benefit of OHIP, a referral from a physician is required before an appointment for a medical consultation can be made.

Medical dermatology appointments require a referral from a physician. If you would like to book a cosmetic consultation, please advise our staff at the time of booking.

Commonly Treated Conditions

Acne is the most common skincare problem seen by doctors. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged by a combination of an oily substance (produced by the skin) called sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells.

Eczema, also referred to as Dermatitis, is a type of inflammation of the skin.

Inflamed or eczematous skin is red, itchy and swollen sometimes with fluid-filled bumps that ooze and crust.

Common causes of eczema include an allergic reaction to something touching the skin such as poison ivy or nickel and contact with chemicals that damage the outer skin such as strong soaps and substances that dry or irritate the skin.

Eczema is a common problem but it is not contagious. Some types are hereditary. Although eczema cannot be cured, a dermatologist can provide a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan to manage your eczema and control flare-ups.

Chronic eczema causes people to miss work and often sleep is interrupted, affecting school and work performance.

Hyperhidrosis is a disorder that defines individuals who sweat more than the body would normally need to maintain optimal temperature.

It affects approximately 3% of the population – some 950,000 Canadians – of whom 300,000 have a severe form of the disorder.

Hyperhidrosis affects work productivity, confidence, social comfort, emotional well being and wardrobe choices. Studies show that hyperhidrosis impacts quality of life similar to or even greater than other well-known dermatological conditions, such as severe acne or psoriasis.

Dr. Cohen and Dr. Rajan perform mole removal in the office. Moles may be removed by various techniques including excision, shave removal and some lesions may be removed with liquid nitrogen. Wounds usually take 2 weeks to heal. Patient can resume regular activities immediately.

Photoaging is premature aging of the skin caused by repeated exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) primarily from the sun, but also from artificial UV sources.”Photo” is derived the Greek word “phos” which means “light”. So, aging of the skin caused by light. Photoaging is different from chronologic aging, as the damaging effects of UV rays from the sun (or artificial tanning sources) alter the normal structures of the skin.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves red elevated patches and flaking silvery scales. It can take on several different forms and appearances, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that affects mainly the face.

The first signs of rosacea may be redness or blushing that comes and goes initially. Over time, the redness may become persistent and more visible.The most common sites for symptoms are the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead. Sometimes, rosacea may involve the eyes as well, and include symptoms such as blood-shot eyes that feel gritty. Over half of rosacea sufferers may experience eye symptoms.

Skin cancers are growths with differing causes and varying degrees of malignancy.

The three most common malignant skin cancers are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, each of which is named after the type of skin cell from which it arises.

Warts are small, self-limited tumors caused by one of over 100 types of human papillomaviruses (HPV).

The clinical forms of warts include common warts, flat warts, plantar warts, periungual warts, filiform warts, and genital warts.

Warts typically disappear on their own with time, but it may take years. Warts respond variably to a variety of treatment measures.

Meet Our Medical Team

Paul Cohen

M.D. F.R.C.P.C. D.A.B.D.

Richard Backstein

BSc, MD, FRCSC

Christine Liptay

MD, CCFP, FCFP

Poonam Rajan

M.D., D.A.B.D., F.R.C.P.(C)

Jonathan Levy

MD, DABD, FRCPC

Want to schedule an appointment?

Call us at (416) 487-3453 or fill in our online appointment form.